Distributions of Forces Acting on a Pile
Apart from the load-settlement curve it is also possible to keep track of the distribution of normal force in the pile and the distribution of shear force developed along the pile skin. The normal forces decrease from the top to the bottom as the load is gradually taken by the shear force developed along the pile skin. Unlike the normal force the shear force thus increases from the top to the bottom. Both forces are evaluated in relative values related to the magnitude of the vertical load.
Distribution of internal forces acting on the pile